Episode 24 - Matthew Hopkins Witchfinder General Part 1: Manningtree Pricker

Puritanical, God-fearing zealot or manipulative, money-grabbing hypocrite? Who cares, we hate him either way! The time has come to hear about the rotter Matthew Hopkins, self-styled ‘Witchfinder General’ and all round total bastard. We must also hear about John Stearne, Hopkins’ partner in crime who has somehow escaped the notoriety of his more bombastic pal. Rotters both! We explore the 1645 witch hunts in Manningtree, discuss the 1968 folk horror film which has done so much to shape Hopkins in the popular consciousness, and drink a selection of appropriately (mostly) named ales. And, of course, much more.